Professional grooming and cutting of the West Highland White Terrier in Kyiv

The West Highland White Terrier, or Westie, is one of the most recognizable breeds in the world thanks to its snow-white coat and lively, playful nature. These little dogs, despite their modest size, have a big personality. Westies are very popular among dog lovers due to their energy, intelligence and loyalty. They are great for family life and are able to bring joy to their owners every day.

Description of the breed and its characteristics

The history of the origin of the West Highland White Terrier

This breed originated in Scotland, where it was used to hunt small game such as rabbits, foxes and badgers. They have ancient roots and their history is closely related to other terriers that developed in the harsh conditions of the Scottish mountains. The white color of the fur was specially bred so that the dogs were easily visible against the background of fields and forests, avoiding the risk of being hit by a hunter’s bullet.

Appearance

The West Highland White Terrier is a compact but sturdy breed with short legs and a well-developed chest. Their body is covered with a thick double coat, where the top layer is rough and tough, and the undercoat is soft and dense. A characteristic feature of the breed is the exclusively white color of the wool, which gives them a cute look. Their expressive dark eyes and erect ears emphasize an inquisitive and lively character. Vesti is known for his courage and independence. They show extraordinary self-confidence and willingness to explore the world around them. These dogs are extremely intelligent and easy to train, although they can be stubborn at times.

The West Highland White Terrier is one of the few breeds that has retained its integrity and has no clear subspecies or variations. All representatives of the breed have the same characteristic features of appearance and temperament, which meet the established standards.

The importance of proper care for the West Highland White Terrier

Why do vests need to be trimmed?

The West Highland White Terrier has a special coat structure that requires a specific approach to care. According to the standards of the breed, the wool of vests must be trimmed, that is, removed manually with the help of special tools. Trimming a vest is a method of removing dead hairs that allows you to preserve the natural texture and density of the coat.

Why is it not recommended to cut this breed?

Grooming the West Highland White Terrier is generally not recommended due to risks to the texture and health of the coat. The main problem with haircuts is that instead of removing dead hairs, as happens with trimming, the hair is simply cut. This causes the top coat to become softer and less dense. In addition, regular trimming of the West Highland can stimulate increased undercoat growth, which creates grooming problems and can lead to shedding, which is highly undesirable for this breed.

Grooming can also have negative consequences for the health of the dog’s skin. When wool loses its natural texture, it becomes less effective in protecting the skin from external factors such as UV rays and humidity, especially during the winter season. This can lead to irritation, dryness of the skin or even the development of dermatological problems.

How to properly trim a West Highland White Terrier

Trimming a West Highland White Terrier is a complex process that requires experience and the use of special tools. The most commonly used tools include trimming scissors, special trimming knives, and finger tweezers. Here is a detailed description of the process:

Preparation:

The dog should be thoroughly combed to remove all coat.

Trimming with a knife:

Using a trimming knife, the groomer removes dead hair, working all over the dog’s body. Special attention is paid to the back, sides and shoulders, where the wool needs trimming the most.

Manual trimming:

Hand trimming is often used for more delicate areas such as the head, neck and paws. The groomer removes hair with fingers or special thimbles, which allows you to achieve a more natural look and provides precise control over the process.

Final processing:

After trimming, the wool is trimmed with scissors, if necessary, to give it an even length and shape. This helps to complete the image and make it more aesthetically appealing.

When and how to cut a West Highland White Terrier

Although trimming is the preferred method of West Highland White Terrier care, there are situations where clipping may be necessary:

When trimming is not possible:

If the dog was regularly clipped instead of trimmed, its coat could become soft and lose its ability to trim. In such cases, a haircut may be the only care option. In addition, if the coat is very shed or the dog has particularly sensitive skin, trimming can be painful, and then clipping will be a more humane solution.

Cosmetic haircut:

In some cases, a haircut can be done for cosmetic purposes to equalize the length of the coat or give it a more well-groomed appearance. This can be useful before exhibitions or photo shoots, where the perfect appearance of the dog is important.

If a haircut is necessary, it is important to follow certain rules and techniques in order to preserve the most natural appearance of the coat and support the health of the skin:

Haircut with scissors:

The main method used to trim the West Highland White Terrier is shearing. Straight and Filing scissors are used to create smooth lines and transitions. Special attention is paid to the area around the head, chest and paws, where it is necessary to preserve the natural volume.

Clipper:

The machine is used carefully, mainly for cutting the undercoat on the stomach, armpits and around the anus, where the hair often falls out. Use attachments of the appropriate length to avoid cutting too short, which can damage the skin or cause irritation.

Grooming West Highland White Terrier

How to properly care for the coat of the West Highland White Terrier at home

The coat of the West Highland White Terrier requires a special approach, because its unique structure involves not only aesthetic care, but also maintaining the health of the skin and hair. To ensure a healthy and beautiful coat, you should follow the following recommendations:

Regular combing:

It is important to comb the coat regularly to avoid the formation of tangles. Use a soft brush made of natural materials for daily care, paying special attention to the area behind the ears, on the chest and belly, where the wool is most often tangled.

Bathing a West Highland White Terrier:

You should bathe the vest no more than once a month to avoid drying out the skin. Use special shampoos for hard-haired breeds that help preserve the texture of the coat and do not overdry the skin. After bathing, be sure to use a conditioner to maintain the elasticity of the wool.

Prevention of dumping:

To prevent shedding, frequent bathing, improper brushing, or the use of inappropriate cosmetics should be avoided. If piles have already formed, be sure to contact a professional groomer to remove them.

Grooming a vest: necessary care procedures

In addition to regular trimming and hair care, the West Highland White Terrier needs a number of additional procedures that will help maintain its health and appearance at the highest level.

1. Claw trimming

Regular trimming of the claws is an important procedure for the West Highland White Terrier. Claws that are too long can cause discomfort when walking, cause misalignment of paws and even lead to injuries. Claws should be trimmed about once a month or more often if they grow faster. It is important to use special nail scissors to avoid cracks and splits. You need to trim carefully, avoiding damage to the blood vessel that is inside the claw (it is called “pulp”).

2. Ear cleaning

The ears of the West Highland White Terrier also require regular care, as this breed is prone to earwax accumulation and the development of infections. Ear cleaning should be done about once every two weeks, or more often if there is a tendency for excessive wax formation. To do this, use special ear drops or lotions that help dissolve the wax and keep the ear canal clean. After applying the product, carefully wipe the auricle with a clean cotton ball or napkin. Do not use cotton buds to avoid damaging the ear canal.

3. Wiping the eyes

Westies have sensitive eyes that require regular care. In the West Highland White Terrier, tear secretion can accumulate, which leaves marks on the fur around the eyes. This can cause irritation and even infection. To prevent this, you should regularly wipe your eyes with a tissue soaked in warm water or a special eye care product. This should be done carefully, avoiding getting the product into the eye.

4. Hygienic haircut in the genital area

Hygienic haircut is an important component of West Highland White Terrier care. Trimming the genital area helps maintain cleanliness and reduces the risk of infection, especially in young girls. Removing excess fur in this area helps to avoid the accumulation of dirt and bacteria that can cause skin irritation or inflammation. This procedure should be performed regularly, depending on the speed of hair growth. It is important to entrust this work to a professional groomer who has experience working with sensitive areas and will be able to perform a haircut neatly and safely.